West Brom's Zhang signing 'aligns with commercial strategy'

West Brom have signed China international Zhang Yuning for an undisclosed fee in a move that ties in with the Premier League club's new commercial strategy.

The Baggies announced the arrival of the 20-year-old striker from Vitesse Arnhem on Monday, with Zhang penning a three-year deal before heading out on a two-season loan to Werder Bremen.

Zhang's signing - described by Albion as a "development project" - has been financed separately from the funds ring-fenced for their 2017-18 transfer budget, a club statement confirmed.

West Brom's controlling shareholder Guochuan Lai has plans to increase the club's profile in his homeland.

"Zhang will get the chance to further develop at Bremen, with whom we have an excellent relationship," said director of football administration Richard Garlick.

"He will be challenging for a place in a top European league and we will be monitoring his progress before reassessing his prospects at the end of the loan period. There is no doubt he has a lot of qualities which Bremen are well-positioned to grow and develop.